CHAPTER 13

“A ball? You want togo to a ball tonight?” She had not thought Dariux was the type to enjoy social gatherings.

“Yes. Is there a problem with that?” He raised his eyebrows.

“Well, no. But I wasn’t planning to attend any events. I don’t know if I have the proper attire—”

“Kalli, you have several trunks full of clothes. I’m sure you can find something to wear. Now, if there’s any other reason you don’t want to go...”

“No, it is not that. I just wasn’t expecting it. Do you want to go?”

“I think it could be fun, yes.”

She had to smile at that. “I had not pegged you as the type who would enjoy a nineteenth century ball.”

He raised an eyebrow and pressed a hand to his chest in mock reproach. “And why not? Which type of man do you think would enjoy a ball?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Someone more lighthearted and sociable. You know, someone who likes to party. You are very serious and... logical. I didn’t think you were into frivolous entertainments.”

He walked up to her where she stood at the foot of the bed and smiled, looking straight into her eyes. Raising his hand, he tucked a strand of her hair, grazing her ear and eliciting goosebumps all over that side of her body.

“You don’t know many things about me. I’m a man of hidden talents and many facets.”

And she liked this facet. This playful and seductive Dariux. She had always thought him sexy, in a brooding, no nonsense way. But he was irresistible when he turned on the charm.

“In that case, I look forward to the ball, to keep discovering your many facets.” Her voice came out a little breathless, and his eyes smiled in understanding. He knew exactly what he was doing to her. The rogue.

***

AT PRECISELY EIGHTo’clock, they descended the staircase arm in arm. Kalli had found a splendid gown, just as he predicted. A confection in pink and apple green that set off her coppery curls and creamy complexion. How had he not noticed before how luminous her skin was? The delicate mounds of her breasts tantalized him from the confines of her bodice. It made him wonder if the ball was such a good idea after all. Maybe their time would be better spent in their room making love—no, not making love. Having sex. What was it with him and all these sentimental thoughts? They had agreed to have sex to satisfy each other’s needs during this mission. No love involved. Love was nothing more than an unproven theory. And he would continue to believe that until proven otherwise.

The ballroom was a dazzling kaleidoscope of brightly colored dresses swirling in time with the music, illuminated by dozens of gas chandeliers. He inclined his head towards Kalli.

“Do you know how to waltz?” he asked, sotto voce.

“You’re only asking me now? A little late, don’t you think?”

“Not at all. If you don’t know how to dance, we can—”

“I know how to waltz, Dariux. I learned for this mission’s sake. Do you dance?”

“Oh yes. It looks like a waltz is starting. Would you do me the honor of this dance, milady?” he asked with a courtly bow that made her smile. He liked her smiles. She put her hand in his and he swept her into the sea of dancers.

All at once, he felt the familiar exhilaration of the music, the notes flowing through his body and moving him in tandem with his partner. His very surprised partner. Who was looking up at him as if he had grown another head.

“You dance very well,” she said in a breathless voice.

“Thank you, I think. You sound insultingly surprised.”

“No. Well... yes. I hadn’t pegged you for the dancing type. At least not this—”

She had to stop herself as they neared a corner of the room, and he turned her gracefully with a dizzying maneuver. But soon enough, she recovered her breath.

“Not this type of graceful, accomplished dancer. You didn’t just learn the waltz for this mission, did you?”

“I think you should forget your preconceptions about me. Or maybe not. I enjoy shattering them. As it happens, dancing has been a hobby of mine for years now,” he confessed with what he knew would be a smug expression on his face.

“I see. Any other hobbies besides dancing?”

“You want to know all my secrets?”

“I wouldn’t call hobbies a secret.”

“True. But I’d rather be mysterious and let people discover me at their own pace. One thin layer at a time.”

“Dariux, stop teasing me. I think we are past the top layers, you and me.”

Awareness flooded his body at her frank gaze. She was so lovely, so passionate. When had he started considering passion a virtue?

“If you must know, I also like to practice martial arts.”

He whisked her into another turn, without giving her time to respond.

“That’s closer to the image I had of you.”

He raised a brow. “And what image is that?”

“The tough, manly man who does manly pursuits, like weightlifting, fighting, and shooting. That sort of stuff.”

Amusement bubbled from him. “Martial arts are more similar to dancing than to the other activities you mentioned.”

She looked pensive for a moment. “I suppose you are right. Martial arts movements are graceful and controlled. Much like a dance. What type of martial art do you practice?”

“A mix of several. Capoeira, jiu jitsu, taekwondo, karate.”

He pressed her close to his body to help her follow his lead as he turned in a complicated pattern. She missed a step, but recovered and followed him flawlessly for the rest of the turn.

“It doesn’t have a definitive classification. My teacher has created his own martial art. But I can tell you that being light on my feet and able to move efficiently has helped both my dancing and my fighting.”

“I can believe that.”

“What about you? What do you enjoy doing when not consumed with analyzing emotions?”

“Me? Not much. I’m rather boring, I’m afraid. I like to garden and read. Nothing as exciting as what you do.”

“Hmm. It depends.”

“On what?”

“On the type of books you like to read,” he whispered close to her ear, and as he pulled back, he saw her cheeks were red. He threw back his head and laughed. Oh, he had hit a target. He would bet her taste in books would not be dull in the least.

Nothing about this spirited woman was boring or tame. She was as fiery as her hair. And he was drawn to her flames as a moth to light. He only hoped he would have the wisdom to avoid burning, but right now, he cared little about the consequences.